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Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

Art, Culture, & Historical
Nara
Japanese (Native), English
7 hours
Private tour (only you and your group)
Up to 5 people

Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can

Yoshihisa T.
4.97 / 5
(146 reviews)

Meeting Point

Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station

Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum

Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)

Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.

Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )

Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )

Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi

Ending Point

Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station

What to Expect

  This tour is designed for those who are interested in the sightseeing of famous spots in Nara and peeping into the world of Buddhist statuary. The itinerary includes Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure museum), Isuien Garden, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine and strolling in Nara Machi ( an ancient quarter of Nara).

Nara, an ancient capital of Japan, boasts both the quality and quantity of Buddhist statues throughout Japan. Among many temples in Nara, Kohfukuji and Todaiji Temples are ranked top two in housing Buddhist images, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. You can also enjoy visiting Kasuga Grand Shrine located in the midst of natural forests. The vermilion color of the shrine buildings contrast strikingly with the greenery of the surrounding area.

On the last corner of the tour you can appreciate the local sake at a sake brewery in Nara Machi. ( If you cannot drink alcoholic beverage, you can drink tea or coffee at a cafe nearby.) Last but not least, why does the statue of Ashura look so sad though he was a deity of wars in an ancient Indian religion? The answer is given during the tour. 

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

guide fee

What‘s not included

lunch, entrance fee ( ¥2400) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall and Hokke-do Hall ) and local sake tasting (¥500) at the sake brewery.

Important Information

It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.


This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.


Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Reviews

P

Pappné csonka J.

5 / 5
Sep 21, 2023

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

It was a very good idea not to spend our little time wandering around, but with a professional guide. We saw and heard much, much more than we had planned. Thank you for the lovely day!

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Judit. Thank you so much for your kind review for my tour in Nara. I enjoyed myself, guiding and talking with you, too. I hope you have returned home with lots of nice souvenirs and good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie

E

Ed L.

5 / 5
Sep 12, 2023

Great a day Kyoto tour

The trip was a well plan, informative and very detail oriented by Yoshihisa-San . Also show me the amazing structure of Kyoto Station in detail from bottom to top. Worth every single minute of your time. Also kindly to share with his umbrella with me in unexpected heavy rain during the trip.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Ed-San. I really appreciate your nice comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased that you enjoyed viewing all the three gardens we visited today. I also had a wonderful time guiding and talking with you. Thank you so much for your kind consideration. Please get in touch when you have another chance of visiting Kyoto again. Best wishes. Yoshie

I

Ioana L.

5 / 5
Aug 28, 2023

Golden Route Kyoto

Yoshi is a wonderful guide and created amazing experiences including highlights of the Japanese culture accompanied by great food. We had a great time together and good laughs. Thank you for all the great sharing and also the extra miles that you went for us. Hope our paths will cross again

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Ioana. Thanks a lot for an excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I am glad to learn that you enjoyed the tour and the food for lunch and dinner. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you all, too. Be sure to get in touch if you have another chance of visiting Kansai area. Best wishes. Yoshie

T

Tim P.

5 / 5
Aug 11, 2023

A day full of beauty, wisdom, and laughter

We spent the day with Mr Yoshie visiting his "Golden Route" of world heritage sites in Kyoto. His experience, knowledge and professionalism helped us make the most of our one day in Kyoto. Not only did he help us get from place to place quickly and efficiently, he really brought each site to life by explaining the history and significance. He is especially good at explaining the meanings of places names and helping us understand the subtle double meanings of Japanese terms. He also was able to describe the names of plants and trees and explain why each plant was chosen for each space. Finally, he is a kind and funny many who shared many Japanese jokes with me and my Shogun. (Go on the tour and you will understand). Thank you again Yoshie!

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Tim. Thank you very much for your review, explaining my tour in detail. I am very pleased to learn that Mari and you enjoyed my poor guiding and silly jokes. I hope you will have a comfortable flight back to Puerto Rico. If you have another chance of visiting Kyoto, be sure to get in touch. Thank you again. Yoshie

$191/ per group

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